What does record clamp really do?

[yurka77]

My VPI turntable came with a screw down record clamp. I tried to use it a few times on records that have a bit of a wobble but when I screw down the clamp the wobble seems to get worse rather than be flatter . Am I doing something wrong or do I not understand the purpose of this record clamp?

 

[illini]

https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/usagrip.htm

I use the "Bren1" record weight on occasion. Only on warped LPs....

 

[4-2-7]

Am I doing something wrong or do I not understand the purpose of this record clamp?

On warped records there is a few ways to use a clamp. Lets take a dished record, when the dish/pucker is up at the label you just used the clamp. But when you flip it the label bottoms out and the outside edges are off the platter.

 

[4-2-7]

 

[4-2-7]

 

[gmc]

Are you using it in conjunction with the rubber washer that should have come with the clamp, similar to those pictured at the bottom of post #3?

 

[twiiii]

You really need the periphery ring in addition to the clamp to control warped records. As mentioned previously you need to use the center clamp with finess so you don't distort the shape of the record further. The clamp also reduces resonances and in some cases feedback from the speakers. I use a weighted Signet clamp with my Thorens quite successfully.

 

[yurka77]

Oh, I see, makes total sense about the ring that goes under the clamp. When I got my prewoned VPI it came only with the clamp and not with the little ring . Where can I get one that will fit my VPI record clamp? Thanks guys

 

[4-2-7]

Oh, I see, makes total sense about the ring that goes under the clamp. When I got my prewoned VPI it came only with the clamp and not with the little ring . Where can I get one that will fit my VPI record clamp? Thanks guys

Go to a hardware store that has hardware draws full of different supplies like grommets, nylon parts. Felt and rubber washers is all you need, a few different thickness will work. Your clamp will need to be recessed on the bottom of it to work right this way with only the outer edge of the clamp touching the record.

 

[yurka77]

This is my clamp, is this what you mean ?

 

[4-2-7]

This is my clamp, is this what you mean ?

Yep, it has an outer lip that touches the records leaving space for the record label area to flex up into the clamp. You;l be golden with a felt or rubber washer, 1/4 inch hole. If you have something around the house you can make it with you will be fine. Just don't use anything hard as you don't want to crack the record. Rubber has less give so stick to a 1/8 inch or less, felt can be up to 3/16. I get a few thickness depending on the record.

 

[yurka77]

Cool, thank you

 

[gmc]

You really need the periphery ring in addition to the clamp to control warped records. As mentioned previously you need to use the center clamp with finess so you don't distort the shape of the record further.

I find that the VPI clamp, alone, does wonders with warped records.

Not speaking from experience, but from most of what I have read, the periphery ring is needed when the VPI weight is used. It is not necessary, or even recommended, when using the VPI clamp.

 

[sturgus]

Try this, scroll to bottom of page.
http://herbiesaudiolab.net/washers2.htm

 

[gmc]

According to a highly knowledgeable member on the VPI forum, what you are looking for is a rubber fender washer with an inside diameter of 7mm, an outside diameter of 30mm, and a thickness of anywhere between 1.5 and 3mm. They should be available at any hardware store.

 

[MRL_Audio]

Dan - I am nominating you the official clamp guy here. You must have a dozen... I just bought a Nagaoka RC-410. Let you know what I think once I receive it. The Sota is still the best I have used for nearly all cases.